Abu Dhabi- As part of its strategy to enhance Business Continuity and Crisis Management capabilities, Etisalat has been awarded the BS25999 – 2:2007 certificate for its Business Continuity Management (BCM) practices.

The certification covers the entire Etisalat Mobile Network services in the UAE. The certification was awarded to Etisalat in January 2012 by the BSI- British Standards Institution, with its audit team carrying out stringent certification audits in two stages in November and December 2011.

Mr. Saeed AlZarouni (SVP/Mobile network) from Etisalat stated: “This certification is a proactive initiative from Etisalat to demonstrate its commitment to the UAE government and TRA requirements. The certification acknowledges Etisalat continuity, recovery and emergency response preparedness.”

By being part of the UAE Critical National Infrastructure, the certification process laid emphasis on continuity of Etisalat services to stakeholders and customers alike. Etisalat is among the few telecoms in the world to obtain this prestigious certification. TheBS25999 – 2:2007certification is further assurance to customers that Etisalat’s risk management and incident response processes meet international standards.

“Through this certification, we are also contributing towards the nation’s strategy of an effective crisis management model, while ensuring compliance of all laws and regulatory requirements,” Mr. AlZarouni commented.

“Any organization that puts in place a business continuity plan is sending out a message that it can respond robustly to disruptions,” commented Theuns Kotze, Regional Director MEA, BSI.

“Etisalat’s commitment to achieving BS 25999 certification with BSI should be applauded. BS 25999, the standard for Business Continuity Management, not only gives Etisalat a competitive edge, but BSI’s certificate allows Etisalat to demonstrate customers, key stakeholders that tested business continuity management is in place,” stated Mr. Kotze.

The certificate was presented by Mr. Theuns Kotze, Regional Director MEA, BSI, to Mr. Fadhil Alansari (EVP/Engineering) from Etisalat, at a gathering which took place on 20th February at Etisalat’s Mobile Network Operations Center in Dubai.